"My wife and I have decided to end our marriage. We have been separated for some time," he wrote.

"As I'm sure you will understand, this is a very difficult and painful time for us and our families. I want to wholeheartedly thank you for respecting our privacy in this matter and I ask sincerely for your prayers, support and understanding."

His statement was released on the same day as a Radar Online report claimed that Avett started dating his current girlfriend, Dexter star Carpenter, while still married to Susan in 2011.